ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTICS

Ultrasound or Sonographic imaging is a painless, non-invasive imaging procedure which complements Radiographic (X-Ray) imaging and utilizes sound waves to evaluate internal organs. Sonographic imaging also allows for guided biopsies, which can sometimes eliminate the need for exploratory surgery. Ultrasound imaging can often determine the extent of a disease process, visualize mineral and urinary tract stones not visible on x-rays, evaluate for a source of pain and determine the origin or presence of a mass or cancer.

Ultrasound is a particularly valuable tool to diagnose pancreatic disease in dogs and cats. The pancreas is often not visible on radiographs (x-rays) and at times laboratory tests are not conclusive for pancreatic disease.

The pancreatitis and inflammation
in
the intestine shown
in Image 1 was
resolved with medical and supportive
treatment, where the patient made a
full recovery.

The picture in Image 2 shows the

same area of the intestine and

pancreas in a normal patient.

Image 1

Image 2

Ultrasound examinations at Island Hammock Pet Hospital are performed by Dr. Elizabeth Watson, an American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) Board Certified Radiologist.